Best action movies

Often underestimated or in any case little taken into consideration by critics, action films are an absolutely unique genre. That is why we have decided to recommend the best ones that are worth seeing without a shadow of a doubt. 

What are action films about?

It is a genre of film that manages to keep people glued to their chairs and, when the plot of a film is properly structured, we can speak of true works of art.

Innovation, both as regards the special effects, or perhaps as regards the way the film is shot, mainly characterizes this genre that has made history.

If we think about it, already the first films shot, at the end of the nineteenth century, were a sort of ancestor of modern action films, where often less attention was paid to the plot and more to special effects. However, when the director manages to combine plot of a certain type, special effects and perhaps even an adequate script, then we can speak of a masterpiece.

Let’s go now to see the best action films of the last decades, starting with Rambo, a real cult of the genre.

Rambo

Info

Anno: 1982

Country: USA  

Regia: Ted Kotcheff 

Attori: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Brian Dennehy, Bill McKinney, Jack Starrett, Michael Talbott, Chris Mulkey, John McLiam, David Petersen, Don MacKay, Patrick Stack, David Caruso, Chuck Tamburro, Craig Wright Huston

Duration: 88 min

Often underestimated, it is a truly relevant work that, in addition to being a box office (125 million dollars worldwide), was able to tackle the theme of war and integration in society for a soldier (in this case a veteran Vietnam) with a different attitude than its predecessors. The success was enormous and gave birth to a historical saga.

PLOT

John Rambo, a Vietnam veteran, wanders aimlessly after learning that all of his former comrades are dead. He runs into the tough Sheriff Teasle, in the town of Hope, who will forbid him from entering the town considering him a wanderer. The veteran is not there and begins to rebel in every way, putting the town on fire.

Leon

Info

Anno: 1994

Country: France  

Regia: Luc Besson 

Actors: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello, Peter Appel, Michael Badalucco, Luc Bernard, Keith A. Glascoe, Ellen Greene, Carl J. Matusovich, Elisabeth Regen, Randolph Scott, Frank Senger

Duration: 105 min

Hard, dramatic and sparkling film. I launch a beautiful and very young Natalie Portman. Considered by many to be one of the best films in history.

PLOT

A particular friendship between a girl, whose entire family was killed, and an apathetic and illiterate Italian-American hitman. The two will help each other solve their problems, even existential ones.

Heat – The challenge

Info

Anno: 1995

Country: USA  

Regia: Michael Mann 

Attori: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, Dennis Haysbert, William Fichtner, Natalie Portman, Susan Traylor, Danny Trejo, Henry Rollins, Hazelle Goodman, Jerry Trimble, Kevin Gage, Ray Buktenica, Hank Azaria

Duration: 165 min

One of the most beautiful genre films. First time in which Al Pacino and Robert De Niro act together in the same scene. Rhythm, suspense and high-level storyline: grossing $ 187 million worldwide.

PLOT

A LAPD detective searches for the perpetrators of a theft of a valuables van. It is a race against time and a manhunt full of emotions.

Mad Max – Fury Road

Info

Anno: 2015

Country: USA-Australia

Regia: George Miller 

Attori: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoe Kravitz, Nicholas Hoult

Duration: 120 min

Reinterpretation of the saga starring Mel Gibson. It was a real success in every sense: 6 Oscars out of 10 nominations received (including best editing, best makeup, best costumes). Most awarded film of 2016, and most awarded in the history of Australia. It grossed approximately $ 380 million worldwide.

PLOT

Max Rockatansky teams up with Furiosa to escape Immortan Joe’s clutches. He begins a relentless escape. 

Terminator

Info

Anno: 1984

Country: USA

Ruler: James Cameron  

Attori: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen, Rick Rossovich, Bess Motta, Earl Boen, Franco Columbu, Bill Paxton

Duration: 107 min

The film that paved the way for Cameron and gave Schwarzenegger the chance to establish himself even more in American cinema. High rhythms, convincing plot and excellent acting performances even by young budding performers. Revenue over $ 80 million. Huge success that gave birth to a real saga: the first film preceded other sequels. 

PLOT

A soldier and a cyborg are sent back in time with two opposite purposes: one is tasked with protecting Sarah Connor, the other with killing her. Because? Because this one day will bring to light what would become the main destroyer of artificial intelligence. 

Die Hard – Crystal Trap

Info

Anno: 1988

Country: USA

Regia: John McTiernan 

Attori: Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald Vel Johnson, Paul Gleason, De’voreaux White

Duration: 132 min

Film that marks the beginning of Bruce Willis’ roaring career in action cinema, one of the best of its kind. First chapter of the series dedicated to John McClane, trouble-maker cop. It was a real success with nearly $ 200 million grossed worldwide and 4 Oscar nominations.

PLOT

McClane is faced, practically alone, with a group of terrorists who have besieged an entire skyscraper. 

Lethal Weapon

Info

Anno: 1987

Country: USA

Regia: Richard Donner 

Attori: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Tom Atkins, Darlene Love, Dar Robinson, Traci Wolfe

Duration: 111 min

First chapter of the fun and engaging saga starring policemen Riggs and Murtaugh. It got an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound, and became a real cult action movie. 

PLOT

The complicated but very “true” relationship between two policemen with totally different ways and previous histories, who find themselves working together. They will share joys and sorrows, but they will strengthen a beautiful friendship.

Bad Boys

Info

Anno: 1995

Country: USA

Regia: Michael Bay 

Attorneys: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Tea Leoni, Cheky Karyo, Michael Imperioli, Marg Helgenberger, Joe Pantoliano, Nestor Serrano, Anna Thomson, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Kevin Corrigan, Saverio Guerra, Emmanuel Xuereb, Theresa Randle

Duration: 117 min

Another film that became a real cinematic success, which gave birth to a series of sequels. Detective film, characterized by fast-paced rhythms and above all by the sympathy of the two protagonists, Lawrence and Smith, truly unique. 140 million dollars grossed all over the world.

PLOT

Two agents who have to investigate a batch of heroin passed into the hands of a gang. It won’t be easy and it will take an endless series of shootings and explosions to do it …

Mission Impossible

Info

Anno: 1996

Country: USA

Regia: Brian De Palma 

Attorneys: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Beart, Henry Czerny, Jean Reno.

Duration: 106 min

A real commercial case with its 460 million dollars grossed all over the world. Inspired by the 1960s TV series, Mission Impossible. Real cult

PLOT

The intricate events of the secret agent Ethan Hunt, used to the most extreme, “almost impossible” missions. 

Point Break – Break point

Info

Anno: 1991

Country: USA

Director: Kathryn Bigelow 

Attori: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Lori Petty, Gary Busey, John C. McGinley, James Le Gros

Duration: 122 min

Film that inspired a generation and launched a young Keanu Reeves. Difficult not to have seen it.

PLOT

A young agent manages to infiltrate a gang of criminals who carry out robberies and love surfing. He will be able to stop them, but he will have to give up something important …